Issue 002 Jan 2022
Sweet talk
Valentine’s Special
The Rita Farhi Story Rita Farhi is a family business selling luxury chocolate covered fruits and nuts. Tracing their roots to Turkey and the wider Mediterranean, Farhi is named after their beloved family matriarch, Rita. Steeped in heritage, Farhi fuses traditional recipes with modern techniques, to create luxurious, exquisite, food items that are beautifully presented and ready to gift. With an importance placed on ingredients provenance, Farhi’s chocolate covered fruits and nuts use produce from all over the world. From hand-picked Bolivian Brazil nuts to juicy Spanish oranges, and plump Chilean raisins to sun-kissed Californian almonds, all of which are then dipped or enrobed in rich Belgian chocolate for sweet treats that are carefully and lovingly crafted, so that you can enjoy and gift luxury in every box. Whatever the occasion, let the magic of Rita Farhi enhance your celebration.
Letter from Farhi HQ H
appy New Year and welcome to the second edition of Sweet Talk. We hope you had a lovely winter break, however you celebrated and that you got to spend sometime with loved ones particularly after what has been an interesting 2020 and 2021. As we enter a new year, we’re super excited about everything that is to come in the next few months. While January offers a slower start to the year, as we hit February, we’re raring to go for a new season and this issue is the perfect guide to see you through. In this new issue of Sweet Talk, we’ve rounded up some of the best sportswear and equipment to help you kick off the new year in style. The first few months of the year are packed with big calendar dates and for us, still part of our really busy season. Christmas may have been, but now attention switches to Valentine’s Day, a date marked around the world as the festival of love. In this issue, we explore how different countries mark the occasion, but also how Valentine’s Day began and why we celebrate with chocolate. But of course it isn’t just chocolate that is gifted on Valentine’s and
we’ve compiled four pages of beautiful, luxury gifting to help you find the perfect present for that special someone. While February is all about love, as we enter March, it’s time to show a different appreciation. The first Friday in March is Employee Appreciation Day and we’ve explored some great ways to say Thank You to hard working employees on page 12. For those who love style, we’ve put together our ultimate fashion week guide. Navigating the four major fashion cities, we tell you where’s best to Stay, Dine and Visit on your global fashion journey and of course the looks you need to be seen in. Part of Sweet Talk’s job is to help you get more from your Farhi purchases and this issue we have two utterly delicious and easy recipes for you that incorporate both sweet and savoury ranges from within Rita Farhi. We show you how to add some serious crunch and spice to a basic, tasty, slaw and how to make your sticky toffee pudding stand out from the crowd. Issue 2 of Sweet Talk also continues to unfold our sustainability journey and this time round we’re discussing packaging and its impact on the environment, and how
plastic isn’t always what it seems. Taking a holisitc approach, we look at what we’re doing and where we hope to get to. Finally, while they might not be in sesaon in the UK for a few more months, the 27th of February is National Strawberry Day. Never one to miss an opportunity, we’re taking a deep dive into our juicy and delicious Pate de Fruit gift box selection set that has strawberry as one of its key ingredients. This delightful gift set is packed full of gorgeous jewels, ready to enhance any celebration. Needless to say, this issue is utterly jam packed and we hope you enjoy it. If you haven’t followed us on social media, make sure to find us @RitaFarhiUK across all major platforms. Until then, have a very good start to the new year and enjoy all the wonderful festivities that are happening over the coming weeks.
WIN
Farhi Hamper
Win an amazing Farhi Hamper filled with products worth over £100. Share this delicious gift with loved ones or keep these sweet treats for yourself, it’s up to you.
But entering this amazing, Subscriber Exclusive Giveaway could not be easier.
Sign up to our newsletter at Farhi.co.uk for a chance to win.
* those already subscribed to our newsletter will automatically be entered into the drawer. Entries close at Midnight on March 1st. The winner will be contacted by the 10th of March and has until the 15th of March to claim their prize before the next person is picked. The contents of the hamper is chosen by Farhi HQ and is subject to change depending on product availability. This product can not be exchanged for any monetary value.
Letter from Farhi HQ.............................................................. 2 What’s New At Farhi............................................................... 4-5
contents
Why is Valentine’s Day synonymous with chocolate?.... 6-7 Gift Guide For Him.................................................................. 8-9 Gift Guide For Her................................................................... 10-11 How to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day ............. 12-13 Workout Wonders.................................................................. 14-15 Sweet Treats: International Sticky Toffee Pudding Day 16-17 Wasabi Peanut Slaw.............................................................. 18-19 Fashion Month Ready, your ultimate guide to NYC, London, Milan and Paris..................................................................... 20-23 A perfect pair, Margarita ......................................................... 24 International Women’s Day, meet the women of Farhi ..... 25 Is there flex when it comes to sustainability?...................... 26 In Focus: Pâte De Fruit.............................................................. 27 Dates For Your Diary................................................................ 28 Next Issue.................................................................................... 29
Issue 001 Dec 2021
Sweet Talk magazine, your luxury shopping and gifting guide. Our
bi-monthly publication welcomes you into our world. From new product launches and stockists, to what’s coming up on the calendar this month. We scour the internet for the latest gift ideas, as well as luxury homeware and fashion news to ensure you’re always in the know. But it isn’t all just about indulging. Every issue of Sweet Talk will also take a deeper dive into our products as well as investigating the latest in sustainable packaging and production, so you know just how we’re trying to ‘do better, everyday’. If you want to be the first with each issue, or make sure you never miss one, then sign up to our mailing list on farhi.co.uk so you’ll always receive the issue, hot off the press.
Sweet
WHAT’S NEW AT FARHI
talk
Come and follow us on social media That’s right, if you didn’t know already, we’re on social media. You can find us @ritafarhiuk on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, we’d love to see you there! It’s the easiest way for you to keep up with new issues of Sweet Talk, all the latest news from Rita Farhi and of course there will be giveaways and competitions too. If you’re on social media we’d love for you to give us a follow and make sure to tag us in any of your Rita Farhi pictures, and we might even share your snaps in a later issue of Sweet Talk magazine. Follow us @ritafarhiuk on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook
New Chocolate Heart Selection!
Ganache filled chocolate heart, small selection box, Farhi
Shop our Valentine’s collection on farhi.co.uk now! Our new chocolate heart boxes come in two sizes, both filled with delectable, premium chocolates, with fruity ganache filled centres. Looking for something a little different? Try our special foiled hearts range. Delicious hazelnut praline chocolate shaped hearts, wrapped delicately in pink foil for a sweet Valentine’s Day treat.
Milk chocolate praline with crunch, Farhi
Show someone some love Fall in love with our sensational selection of luxury Belgian chocolate hearts. Presented in our signature style gift box, this is a decadent gift that will show someone special just how much you care this Valentine’s Day. With a host of utterly delectable fillings, that include sweet pear, sharp rhubarb, tangy lime, refreshing grapefruit and exotic passion fruit ganache. Each heart is then coated in an assortment of dark, milk or white chocolate to perfectly balance the fruity flavours. This stunning chocolate gift box is completed with exquisite pink and white chocolate caramel praline hearts, a real treat and a feast for all the sense.
Foiled chocolate covered heart selection, Farhi
Where does the tradition of gifting chocolate on Valentine’s Day come from? Image: Freepix
T
he true story behind the establishment of Valentine’s Day is somewhat of a mystery, with a number of tales and interpretations being shared over the years. The day gets its name from a famous saint, Saint Valentine, but the origins of the day itself are somewhat disputed. Many believe he was a priest during the time of the Roman Empire during the third century AD. Emperor Claudius II who was the ruler at the time, decided to ban marriage because he felt married men made for bad soldiers. Valentine felt that this was not a fair rule and so he arranged and performed marriages in secret, breaking the rules. When Valentine was found out, he was sentenced and thrown into jail. It is believed that while he was waiting for execution and serving his jail term, he fell in love with the daughter of the jailer. When he was taken for execution on the 14th of February he wrote her one final love letter and signed it, ‘from your Valentine’ and hence forth, Valentine’s
day was born. Some believe that the earliest Valentine’s Day dates back all the way to the year 496 and that Valentine’s Day emerged out of the Roman spring time festival, Lupercalia, which was held in the middle of February as a way of marking the beginning of spring. There were numerous ways people celebrated Lupercalia, but one of the celebrations was believed to involve single boys drawing the names of single girls from a box. The pair would then couple up and become boyfriend and girlfriend for the time of the festival and some would then subsequently marry. When the church decided they wanted the festival to be linked to religion, they decided to name it as a way of commemorating Saint Valentine. Eventually people began to use this festival, St Valentine as a dedicated day to express their feelings and love for one another and so Valentine’s Day was born. The truth about Valentine’s Day can only ever be surmised, but in 2022,
Valentine’s is a holiday and a celebration of love and giving that is recognised all over the world. People celebrate the day in different ways but traditionally gifts of chocolate and flowers are exchanged alongside loving notes and cards. But where do the traditions of Valentine’s chocolate, flowers and cards come from? Many believe that the very first Valentine’s card was sent in 1415 in France. In this romantic story, Charles, the Duke of Orleans sent love letters to his wife whilst imprisoned. It is believed that the first-ever Valentine’s Day card originated in France, when Charles, the Duke of Orleans, sent love letters to his wife from the prison in 1415. Within the poem he refers to his wife as “My very gentle Valentine”, giving him the title as the writer and poet behind the first Valentine card, in a manner of speaking.
Valentine’s traditions from around the world
Image: Valeria_aksakova @ Freepix
While the majority of the world celebrates Valentine’s Day on the 14th of February, not every country celebrates this commemoration of love in the same way. Here are some of our favourite ways different countries mark Valentine’s Day.
1
Ghana
Valentine’s Day coincides with Ghana’s National Chocolate Day. Couples exchange sweet treats, as they do in many countries, to mark their love.
2
Argentina
Celebrates Valentine’s Day in July and marks the occasion with a week long festival of sweetness that includes exchanging chocolate and other candies.
3
South Korea
Looking for something a little more regular than once a year? South Korea celebrate love on the 14th of every, single, month! That’s right, the 14th of May is the ‘day of roses’, while the 14th of June is ‘the day of kisses’. Because reminding your partner you love them shouldn’t be be a once a year occurrence, right?
4
Romania
celebrates Valentine’s Day on the 24th of February and coincide this celebration with their spring festival. It is a popular time to get engaged.
But why do we gift chocolate on Valentine’s Day? Chocolate is a well received gift at anytime of year but this sweet treat is particularly popular as a Valentine’s gift. Symbolissing care, love, passion and happiness, gifting chocolate is the perfect way to make someone feel special. A delicious way to declare your love for someone, chocolate at its core is an exotically romantic gift. But why is it just chocolate that is synonymous with Valentine’s day and not a range of sweet treats? While chocolate undeniably tastes utterly delicious, the power of cacao also comes to play here. Since the time of the Aztec, chocolate is believed to be an aphrodisiac, making the receiver more open to romance. This long standing belief has meant that for centuries chocolate has been used as a means of showing affection for someone. So is it true? Does chocolate really act as an aphrodisiac? The short answer, is yes. There has been some scientific research that suggests that women who eat chocolate desire romance more than those who don’t. In addition to this chocolate really does
release a brain soothing chemical which helps to up energy and increase levels of desire. This mood boosting feeling can often be likened to feeling in love! In fact, some people even think chocolate is the food of the Gods, we’d have to agree. Have you ever taken a bite of chocolate and thought to yourself, ‘well this is truly heavenly?’ Then you might be even more correct than you realise. Chocolate is made from the cacao bean, which comes from the cacao tree, also known as Theobroma cacao, the Greek way of saying ‘Food for the Gods’. If it’s ok for the Gods then it’s a pretty wonderful gift for a loved one. Whatever the reason, historical or spiritual, there is no doubt that chocolate, when it comes to Valentine’s Day remains at the top of most people’s gifting list. From creamy white chocolate to velvety smooth or intense dark chocolate, there is something for every taste and dietary requirement. From a simple bar, to chocolate coated fruits and nuts to a decadent heart shaped selection box, if you’re looking for the perfect gift to show someone you love them this Valentine’s Day, opt for chocolate and watch its magical powers at play.
5
Philippines
The 14th of February is a very popular day to get married on, as on Valentine’s day, the government sponsors mass marriages as a public service.
6
Brazil
Over in Brazil, Valentine’s Day is known as ‘Dia dos Namorados’, which means ‘Day for Lovers’. The day however isn’t just for those coupled up, although gift exchanging does take place, it is also a popular time for families to get together.
7
Japan
February 14th in Japan is all about women gifting to men, with a traditional and popular gift being, honmei-choco, which is a home-made chocolate. But don’t worry, women don’t miss out. Men repay the gifting favour a month later on March 14th, phew.
8
Wales
In Wales, ‘love’ is celebrated on the
25th of January and is actually called St. Dwynwen’s Day, which is after the Welsh patron saint of lovers. Men traditionally gift women with hand-carved wooden spoons. This dates back to when Welsh sailors at sea used to pass the time, carving designs into wooden spoons to bring back to their lovers on their return.
Gift Guide: For Him Dior Sauvage, from £69, The Fragrance Shop
Beer selection, £30, Fortnum and Mason
Custom Slim Fit Soft Cotton Polo Shirt, £99.00, Polo Ralph Lauren
LG 4K UHD Laser Smart Home Theater CineBeam Projector, £2998.99, LG
ERMENEGILDO ZEGNASilk Diagonal Striped Tie, £185, Harrods
Paul Smith Men’s Bright Mixed Socks, Set of 3, £50, Fortnum and Mason
Cocoa Dusted Pecans Gift Jar, £12.50, Rita Farhi
Milk Chocolate Praline Gift Box, £25, Rita Farhi
3 Burner Gas BBQ, £279, John Lewis & Partners
SAINT LAURENT, Leather Monogram East/West Wallet, £330, Harrods
CARTIER, Santos de Cartier Daily Mood cufflinks set, £2090, Selfridges
Sharp brushed leather Chelsea boots, £810, Prada
Hennessy X.O Cognac, 70cl, £165, Fortnum and Mason
Gift Guide: For Her Petite Emerald Watch, £149, Daniel Wellington
Soru x Fenwick Exclusive Heart Charm Earrings £175.00, Fenwick
Comet Flare Diamond Eternity Ring in yellow gold, £1,600, Astley Clarke
GUCCI, Eileen GG faux-shearling slippers, £865, Matches Milk chocolate Lady Bug Pralines, Rita Farhi
Prada Candy Kiss eau de parfum, £94, Selfridges
Small bucket Cuir Triomphe, £1250, Celine
Print family sunglasses, £182, Dolce Gabbana
CARTIER, Yellow Gold Love Bracelet Size 16cm, £5,800, Harrods
ESPA Phyto Collagen Plumping Mask 55ml, £60, Look Fantastic Cashmere Polo Neck, £315, Brora
Foiled milk chocolate hearts, Rita Farhi
Heart chocolate selection box, Rita Farhi
How to thank staff for Employee Appreciation Day T
he first friday in the month of March marks out National Employee Appreciation Day. If you’re a boss and have never celebrated the occasion before, then why not make 2022 the year you start and show your employees just how valued they are. The holiday started in the USA but is gaining traction both within the States and internationally as the perfect day for bosses to ‘give back’ to workers. Why is National Employee Appreciation Day important? We all know that people work harder when they’re motivated and one of the easiest ways to motivate staff is to show them they’re valued and respected. Employee Appreciation day is a great vehicle for taking those steps.
So how can you celebrate the occasion and show gratitude to staff?
1
Let the weekend come early. As the ‘holiday’ always falls on the first friday in March, many employers designate this day as an early finish friday. Many companies have early finishes on summer fridays, but as a winter one off, this is such a lovely treat to staff. It seems like something small, but allowing workers to begin their weekend early is reminder that you recognise how much they’re contributing during the week.
2
Get the drinks in! Whether it’s taking the team to the pub or a bar or organising a team drinks in the office during friday’s work day, raising a glass together is a great way to create a bond amongst co-workers. Better yet, why not get a mobile bar service in for the occasion and teach a cocktail masterclass on the Friday afternoon?
3
Vouchers A small token for each memeber of staff goes along way. Everyone loves receiving gifts, no matter how small. A voucher for a local coffee shop or an online store that offers a variety of product will be an item all staff can use and enjoy.
4
Away we go We spend most of our adult life at work, so it’s important to not only enjoy what you do but to also get on with colleagues. Why not designate the 4th of March as a team building day and take your staff out for some much needed bonding time. It can be anything from a day away at a spa to something more physical such as an obstacle course. While team bonding and away days used to focus around ‘trust exercises’, really all your employees need is the opportunity to relax together and create shared experience and memories in order to create bonds that will ultimately ensure they can cooperate better together and
achieve more, in an environment that they fill valued in.
5
Chocolate gifting At the start of this issue we discussed the importance of chocolate and the feelings it can evoke. Chocolate releases soothing and happy hormones, which is why it has become such a popular present. For Employee Appreciation Day, why not gift chocolate, after all, everyone loves a little sweet treat. Of course you can go for pre packed items, a box of chocolates will never be turned away, but why not create your own corporate gifting item to give away to staff this year? This is a great way of creating branded product that benefits both staff and the business? Got employees who are likely to share on social media channels what they received on Employee Appreciation Day? Then make sure it has been branded. If you want to create a chocolate product for staff, then get in touch with us. sales@farhi.co.uk Never underestimate the power of saying Thank You. It’s two of the smallest and easiest words in the English language but is so often left out. At work a simple Thank You, a note or card, or simply an email is the best way to make sure your employees and colleagues always feel valued and better yet it doesn’t cost a thing. So make sure to use it all year round.
Chocolate Almond and Nougat Selection Gift Box, £30.00, Rita Farhi Letterbox flowers, £30 (approx, prioces and styles vary, Bloom and Wild
iFLY Indoor Skydiving Experience, from £64.99, Red Letter Days
1832 Majani Cocktail & Luxury Chocolate Gift Box, £35, Nio cocktails
Cashew and Almond Nut Selection Gift Box, £12.50, Rita Farhi
Gift Voucher Rita Farhi, farhi.co.uk
The Lunar New Year Hamper, £150.00, Fortnum and Mason
Work It Out
Water Bottle, £35, Adidas x Stella McCartney
RDX L2 SKIPPING ROPE, £16.99, RDX Sports
Reebok x VB T-Back Sports Bra in Chalk Green, £79.00, Victoria Beckham Reebok x VB Logo Leggings in Chalk Green, £109.00, Victoria Beckham
Everyday holdall, £30.00, Gymshark
Novablast 2, £130, Asics Salt & Pepper peanut snack box, £25, set of 10, Farhi
Workout Trainer Socks 3 Pack, £18.00, Sweaty Betty
It’s January, so as much as we might try to avoid it, like so many of you, we’re thinking about getting back into the gym. Nothing motivates us more to get active than a new gym wardrobe and if we’re staying at home, some new gym equipment can go a long way too. These are the new gym products we’re lusting after this month, we hope this helps to motivate you too.
Maje x Varley Gadget brand-print yoga mat, £95.00, Selfridges
For Him
The North Face Bones Recycled Beanie, Aviator Navy, £25.00, John Lewis and Partners
Assorted chocolate raisins snack box, £25, set of 10, Farhi
LACOSTE, Bicolour Crocodile Swim Shorts, £74.95, Harrods
TONI SAILER, Lynn padded nylon-blend ski jacket, £1,099, Matches.com
PH APPAREL, Line degradé-printstretch-jersey top, £160.00, Selfridges
RAPHA, Classic Road Cycling Shoes, £180, Harrods
AGAIN FASTER® Kettlebells 24kg, £85, Decathalon
MATE X 750W Subdued Black foldable e-Bike, £2,549.00, Harvey Nichols
MR P.Logo-Appliquéd Cotton-Jersey Golf Sweatshirt, £110, Mr Porter
Sweet Treats
International Sticky Toffee Pudding Day Dairy Free, Sticky Toffee Pudding (Recipe adapted from Delicious Magazine) Serves: 8-10 Ingredients for the cake: - 160g whole dates roughly chopped - 150ml boiling water - 1 tsp vanilla extract - 90g of margarine (or butter alternative) - 150g light brown sugar - 2 large eggs - 2 tbsp golden syrup or black treacle - 175g self raising flour - 1tsp bicarbonate of soda - 100ml dairy free milk (we like almond) Ingredients for the sauce:
- 225g light brown sugar - Generous measure of rum or brandy - 100g margarine or butter alternative - 275ml of dairy free cream, such as soya whipping cream - 1 tbsp of golden syrup or black treacle
Method:
- Put the chopped dates into a bowl and cover with the boiling water. Set to one side for around 30ml or until cool. Mash the dates in the water and stir in the vanilla essence. - Grease your oven proof dish ready for the cake and set to one side. - Using an electric whisk, beat together your margarine and sugar until it is light and creamy.
- Add your eggs one at a time and beat in between adding each egg to help maintain the creamy consistency. - Beat in the golden syrup. - In a seperate bowl, mix your flour and bicarbonate of soda. - Then add a third to your creamy mixture and mix in with a balloon whisk to keep your mixture light and airy. - Continue whisking and add a third of your milk alternative. - Repeat with the next lot of flour mixture, then the milk mixture and then again with the final third until it is all combined. - Mix in your date mixture to the batter and then spoon into your greased dish. - Bake for 50 mins or until firm. Test that the batter is ready by using a skewer to check it comes out clean.
- After 40 minutes if it’s catching on the edges, cover with foil. - Whilst the cake is baking, make your sauce.
Chocolate covered and stuffed date selection box, £35, Farhi
Sauce Method:
- Add the sugar, the alcohol, the margarine and half the cream to a saucepan and heat slowly and gently, stiring until the sugar has dissolved. - Once the sugar has dissolved, turn up the heat and allow to bubble, creating a caramel. Stir during this process iuntil you create a lovely thick, toffee sauce. - Once it has turned to a thickened sauce, take off the heat and add the remianing cream, stiring in, - Keep warm until ready to use or gently warm through before serving, giving it a good mix to ensure a nice smooth and tasty sauce.
Want to make this a showstopper? Decorate the top of your Sticky Toffee Pudding with our amazing Stuffed Dates. If you want to comtinue the dairy free theme, opt for our vegan friendly Stuffed Dates Selection Box that features fruit and nut filled mejdool dates and dates dipped in dark chocolate.
Wasabi Peanut Slaw Serves: 4-6 | Prep time 15min Ingredients: - 1 cup shredded red cabbage - 1 cup shredded white cabbage - 1 large carrot peeled and grated - Rita Farhi Wasabi Peanuts Dressing: - 2 tbsp seasame oil - 2 tbsp soy sauce - 2 tsp maple syrup (can use honey or agave syrup) - 2 tsp rice vinegar - salt (remember soy sauce is very salty) and pepper to taste.
Method:
- Lightly salt your cabbage, this helps to soften the cabbage, but remember soy sauce is very salty, so be more reserved than you might usually. - Mix the cabbage and carrot together in a bowl. - Whisk or shake all the dressing ingredients together until combined. - Pour dressing over the salad and mix in. - Decorate with Rita Farhi Wasabi Peanuts for a beautiful spicy crunch. Serve and enjoy!
Wasabi Peanut Gift Jar, £10, Farhi
Fashion week ready Image: The Roxy Hotel
February marks the start of ‘Fashion Month’. This is when the four major fashion cities hold their fashion weeks. Kicking off in New York before heading to London, Milan and finally Paris, major fashion designers will show off their A/W ‘22 collections. We’re taking you through the big four, what to wear to stay on trend, what to see and where to be seen.
Snack...
For the city that never sleeps, make sure you’re ready to take on the world and enjoy this fast paced city to the max with our chocolate covered coffee beans. A delicious, on the go, energy boost. Great for that potential jet lag too.
Stay...
Wear...
If you get the opportunity to go to a New York Fashion Week show, then go. Can’t get tickets? The main show space is currently in Spring Studios snd it’s a great spot for people watching even if you can’t get into a show. Enjoy seeing what some of New York’s finest fashionistas are wearing for the season.
THE ROXY HOTEL NEW YORK 2 6th Avenue New York, NY 10013 212.519.6600 roxyhotelnyc.com
Watch...
New York in February is cold, so wrap up warm in stylish layers from brands such as Moncler. Heading to a fashion party? Look for embellished ankle boots for style and winter ready footwear. Of course we can’t forget the all important handbag. Marc Jacobs is known for closing out New York Fashion Week and this easy black tote will go with and hold everything you need.
NYC
11th - 16th Feb Image: VWalakte @ Freepix
Image: Freepix
Meena Feather Embellished Suede Ankle Boot, £290, Michael Kors
Boucage Long Down Jacket, £1555, Moncler
The Leather Tote, £560, Marc Jacobs
Cornering Soho and Tribeca, stay in one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Manhattan.
Image: VWalakte @ Freepix
London 18th - 22nd Feb
Eat...
Los Mochis Hot new restaurant Los Mochis combines Mexican spirit with Japanese elegance for the ultimate Pan-Pacific pairing. With a mixture of raw fish, tacos and cocktails you’ll find hard to refuse, this is the London restaurant you won’t want to miss. losmochis.co.uk
Image: Los Mochis
BALENCIAGA, Leopard-print faux-fur jacket, £1,450, Matches.com
Stay... Credit: Simon Upton
Arabella boots, £430, Grenson
Bayswater Tote, Oak Small Classic Grain, £695, Mulberry
J Brand Maria high-rise skinny jeans, £225.00, Selfridges
The London fashion seen is loving hiking boots right now and none more so than the Grenson boot. Stylish, sleek and practical for London weather you can pair these boots with everything from jeans and jumpers to pretty tea dresses. Absolute denim addicts, you can never go wrong with jeans in London. Just add some leopard print and a UK made Mulberry handbag to complete your London fashion transformation.
Fabergé in London: Romance to Revolution at the V&A This exhibition explores master goldsmith, Carl Fabergé – the man behind the internationally recognised firm symbolising Russian craftsmanship, luxury and elegance – and the Anglo-Russian relationship which saw the opening of a London branch in 1903.
Image: Victoria & Albert Museum
Wear...
See...
The NoMad Hotel 28 BOW ST WC2E 7AW T. +44 (0)20 3906 1600 nomadhotel.com
The NoMad Hotel is one of London’s hottest new stays. Housed inside the historic, grade II-listed building famously known as The Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station. The NoMad is a collaboration with New York-based interior design studio Roman and Williams, the transformation of the storied 19th century building draws inspiration from its history and location in Covent Garden (close to the heart of London fashion Week), as well as exploring the artistic and cultural connection between London and New York.
Milan 22nd-28th Feb
Shop... Live like an Italian. With brands like Gucci and Pucci, Milan is big on print. La Double J brings that Italian dream to life with exceptional printed fashion styles and beautiful homeware. Founded by LA born but Milan based journalist and vintage collector J.J Martin in 2015, La Double J is the perfect place for those who love showstopping style and colour. ladoublej.com
Hourglass Small Top Handle Bag, £1590, Balenciaga
Wear...
Boots, £595, Russell & Bromley
Cracco is considered one of the best and most awarded restaurnts in Milan. Having received both a Michelin Star and been included in San Pellegrino’s 100 best restaurants, Cracco is one not to be missed. With a bar, bristro, wine cellar and pastry shop run alongside of the restaurant, there is something for everyone. Focusing on updating traditional Milanese fare, this eatery is a real treat. ristorantecracco.it
Boxy Coat, Matisse in Jacquard, £1,150, La Double J
Eat...
Image: Wirestock @ Freepix
Is there a better way to embrace the fashion spirit of Milan than staying in the heart of the shopping district in none other than the Armani Hotel Milano? We think not.
Image: Cracco
Stay...
Image: Armani Hotel Milano
Armani Hotel Milano Via Alessandro Manzoni, 31 20121 Milano MI +39 02 8883 8888 milan@armanihotels.com UK: 0808 234 2278 armanihotelmilano.com
28th-8th March
Image: VWalakte @ Freepix
Snack...
Wear...
Max Mara Manuela Belted Coat, £1,700, Harrods
Paris
Alma BB, £1,130.00, Louis Vuitton
On the go. There is so much art, culture and history to see and experience in Paris, so don’t waste anytime. Home of the croissant, cafe culture is big in this beautiful city, so take the time to pit stop at quaint cafes and enjoy coffee and baked goods in all their glory. For an action packed trip, make sure to pack some of Rita Farhi’s handy snack boxes for great taste on the go. These will help keep you full in between grazing stops and ensure you don’t miss out on anything.
LOUIS VUITTON, Silhouette drawstring leather ankle boots, £1280.00, Selfridges
Shirt Dress, £89, Cos
See... Image: BiZkettE1 @ Freepix
Snack boxes sold in packs of 10 from £25 at farhi.co.uk
Stay... Image: Le Meurice, Executive suite
Recently renovated, the sensational Le Meurice is the place to stay for an utterly luxurious stay. With sensational viewpoints across the city, you can spot a host of famous landmarks without even leaving your beautiful surroundings. Le Meurice 228 rue de Rivoli, Paris 75001 dorchestercollection.com R.C.S. : Paris B 345 034 904
You can’t come to Paris without stopping at the Louvre. Visit the Petite Galerie to visit the current exhibition ‘From Afar’, which takes you on a journey of beautiful objects and materials, describing exchanges between remote worlds - often far more ancient than the explorations of the 16th century. From deepest antiquity, carnelian, lapis lazuli, ebony and ivory circulated along trade routes and their value because of their journeys from afar. til July’22 louvre.fr
A Perfect Pair:
with Margarita for National Margarita Day Margarita Recipe
Garnish - Wedge of lime - Slice of lime to decorate - Rock Salt to decorate Method: - Prepare your glass. Your glass should be chilled prior to using. This can be done by placing it in the fridge for a couple of hours before hand, or fill the glass with ice for 15mins beforehand and discard of the ice when ready to mix your drink. - On a flat dish, pour out a couple of tablespoons of rock salt. - Run a lime wedge round the rim of your glasses, then tip the glass upside down into the salt. The lime juice acts as a sticking agent to get the salt to stay on the rim. - Shake all the ingredients together well in a cocktail shaker. - Strain into your salt rimmed cocktail glasses. - Garnish with a lime slice (as seen in the image). -Serve and enjoy.r a beautiful spicy crunch. Serve and enjoy!
Chilli peanuts, £25 for 10, farhi.co.uk
Cactus Margarita Glasses 355ml, set of 4, £29.99, Drinkstuff
A margarita is such a delicious, zesty and sharp cocktail. It’s incredibly fresh and zingy. Choosing a high quality tequila is really important. A white tequila will ensure your margarita remains a gorgeous frosty hue, but if you have a good quality gold label tequila it will still taste great. Pair this refreshing cocktail with something spicy to balance out the citrus flavours. Our Mexican inspired snack mix is a great partner in crime to this cocktail and great as a little pre dinner treat. Otherwise opt for chilli spiced peanuts or other spicy snacks for a real rollercoaster for your tastebuds.
Prospero Blanco Tequila 700ml, £49.99 Selfridges
Ingredients: - 70ml lime juice - 70ml (good quality) tequila - 50ml Triple Sec (optional) - Ice
Tequila Clase Azul Plata 700ml, £130.00, Selfridges
Serves: 2 | Prep time 15min
Women at Farhi International Women’s Day 08.03.2022
T
o celebrate International Women’s Day, we wanted to shout about some of the brilliant women we have working here at Rita Farhi. There is no doubt that this is company that has women as its driving force and while it’s important to highlight that more than once a year, International Women’s Day offers us the perfect vehicle to shout about it to everyone. Named after the Farhi family matriach, Rita, we couldn’t mark this special day in the year, without sharing a picture of Rita Farhi. But it is also the perfect time to shout out some of the women that make Farhi what it is today...
Name: Mihaela Favourite Rita Farhi chocolate: Dark Chocolate
Orange Peel
Favourite Cocktail: Caipirinha
Woman you most admire & why: Blake Lively – She
is active in many charities & foundations such as Alzheimer’s Association, Red Cross, AIDS fund, Autism Speaks as well as supports causes like Adoption, Fostering, Family Support & Human Rights and many more. Her positive mindset & happy attitude very catching.
Name: Adriana Favourite Rita Farhi chocolate:
Cocoa Dusted Milk Chocolate Caramelised Pecans with a Hint of Gianduja
Favourite Cocktail: Depending on my mood… Appletini or Pinna Colada
Woman you most admire and why: Oprah Winfrey.
Oprah is a Positive Impact Maker, who inspires others through her experience and her being, who empowers and supports others through her giving, who passionately shares who she is and what she does with the world, and who believes in the power of authenticity of the human being and in the unity of the people for a greater good.
Name: Sonia Favourite Rita Farhi chocolate:
Cinnamon Dusted Almonds - Love the combination of an almond nut, coated with delicious milk chocolate and spicy, cinnamon dusting… yum yum...
Favourite Cocktail: Long Island Ice Tea - Perfect mix of multiple flavours striking the desired effect.
Woman you most admire and why: Madame CJ Walker -
American African entrepreneur, philanthropist and political social activist who recorded as the first female self-made millionaire in America. CJ Walker launched her line of cosmetics and hair care products for black women through a concept she worked on discovered at a time in society where women were second to men in every aspect. Not only did she fight her way through politically oppressive times but she sexually oppressive times. A talented entrepreneur with a knack for self-promotion. The selfmade millionaire used her fortune to fund scholarships for women at the Tuskegee Institute and donated large parts of her wealth to the NAACP, the Black YMCA and other charities.
Is there flex when it comes to sustainability? I
t’s 2022, and a new year brings opportunities for a fresh start. We wipe the slate clean, ready for the challenges that lie ahead. While Janauray is still very much winter territory, we know in the blink of an eye, spring will be upon us, signalling a new season and the rebirth of nature after some chillingly cold months. We’ve always been honest about our journey when it comes to sustainability, and we are growing everyday. For us, developing a solid sustainability policy is a marathon, not a sprint and it’s a job we take very seriously. When creating our sustainability policies and how we condusct ourselves, we like to dig a little deeper. Going green is an easy thing to say, but when it comes to practical implementation there are a mountain of challenges and that’s not an excuse. We aim to do better, everyday and are constantly looking for environmentally friendly alternatives that will help us to be kinder to the environment while still maintaining the quality and integrity of our product. We’re currently in the process of gaining some very exciting certifications that we hope to be able to tell you more about in the coming issues of Sweet Talk, but until then, let’s talk about some of the general misconceptions when it comes to packaging. As a confectionery brand we’re always looking for exciting and innovative packaging ideas and ways to help to balance our carbon footprint and act in a more sustainable way, but it’s not as easy as you might think. If we mention the word plastic, in a sustainability conversation, you might be quick to point out how ‘bad’ plastic is, but this material has it’s uses and now plastic
can be recycled too. Further more, the infrastructure of plastic production means that there is no shortage of supply and it doesn’t directly use up natural resources in its production and as it can now also be recycled in a safe way, it has endless possibilities. When it comes to food packaging, it is important to remember that not just anything can be used to package food, we have ‘food grade’ packaging, which means it’s a safe environment to house edible products. This adds extra challenges when creating sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging. So what are the alternatives? Paper is of course a strong alternative to plastic, easily recyclable and a natural resource, it seems like an obvious choice, but while there are certainly spaces where this is very doable, we also have to remember that paper is a finite resource. We have to grow enough trees to satisfy the demand for paper products and that in turn also adds pressure to growers and the planet, as the paper will need to come from sustainable sources. Is it feasible to replace all plastic with paper without adding further environmental strain? Glass is another packaging material that is also made from natural resources and is often seen as being more environmentally friendly than plastics but did you know that glass doesn’t naturally disintegrate for hundreds of years! That means that it shouldn’t really go to landfill and has to be recycled. Now of course glass recycling in countries such as the UK are fairly developed, but recycling glass also increases your carbon footprint, hindering the movement towards carbon neutral production. That doesn’t mean that glass is not environmentally friendly, but it isn’t all quite as clear cut as it seems. There are fantastic developments being
made in the packaging industry all the time but it is certainly a process and a journey. Sustainable packaging needs to make sure that they also maintain the products shelf life so that we aren’t throwing away products too, as this too strains the supply and production chains, both environmentally and financially. While plastic has often been painted as the enemy, bio-plastics offer new and exciting opportunities for a best of both world, with packaging that is potentially biodegradable and compostable. But we need to make sure local councils and facilities have the ability to dispose of them, so that the chain isn’t broken. So what are we using here at Farhi? While we do use plastic for some of our products, we have also been working with our manufacturers and suppliers to move some products into NatureFlex ™ packaging, which is a fully compostable, bio plastic product. This unique packaging helps to maintain the freshness of the product and of course, it is food grade safe. The cellulose used to make NatureFlex ™ is made from renewable wood pulp that is gathered sustainably from FSC managed forests. NatureFlex ™ also has a coating that can offer protection against moisture, maximising the shelf life of products. NatureFlex ™ can then be broken down and degrade very quickly, you can even compost it like you would with your normal garden waste. The future of food packaging is certainly a complicated one, but it is very bright. It’s easy to make assumptions on what is ‘best’ but like with our new packaging, there needs to be a little bit of ‘flex’, we all want to do better for the planet and there is no one answer with what is ‘right’ and wrong’, it’s not as easy as that. But we are doing our best and hope to do better tomorrow than we did today.
In focus: Pâte de Fruit W
ith International Strawberry Day happening on 27th February, we decided there was no better moment to shout about our simply stunning and delicious Pâte de fruit selection gift boxes. Pâte de fruit is a traditional French confectionery made from set fruit paste. With a concentrated flavour, reminiscent of jam, our pâte de fruit is handmade in Belgium and is packed full of sweet, juicy goodness. In a host of jewel tones, this stunning confectionery will brighten up and enhance any table. As it is concentrated fruit, it’s made in a similar way to jam and has a soft, juicy and chewy texture, with an irresistible sugary outer layer. Containing 60% fruit, our Pâte de Fruit are the perfect post-dinner treat or afternoon tea accompaniment. A wonderful gift for those who prefer fruity flavoured confectionery, whatever the occasion. A true treat for the tastebuds, our Pâte de fruit includes a mix of traditional British fruits as well as more exotic concoctions. Our Pâte de fruit selection box includes strawberry, apricot, raspberry, mango and pear for a real fruity experience. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, this is a confectionery selection that everyone can enjoy.
Strawberry only pâte de fruit box, Farhi
From Pâte de fruit gift boxes, to larger selection boxes that feature our decadent raspberry pâte de fruit pieces. This is one tasty treat we can’t get enough of.
Pâte de fruit gift pack, £17.50, Farhi
Diary Dates January Veganuary
2nd January Bank Holiday
16th January
23rd January
Hot & Spicy Food Day
Sticky Toffee Pudding Day
27th January
14th February
21st February
22nd February
Valentine’s Day
Fairtrade Fortnight Starts
Margarita Day
Chocolate Cake Day
27th February Strawberry Day
8th March International Women’s Day
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